Two Louisiana Men Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses Face Up to Life in Prison and More Than $10 Million in Fines If Convicted
New Orleans, Louisiana – Two men from Louisiana have been charged with drug trafficking and firearms offenses and, if convicted, could face up to life in prison and more than $10 million in fines.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that On May 16, 2023, Gregory Smith, age 41, of Slidell, Louisiana, and Darren Hulbert, Sr., age 52, of New Orleans, Louisiana were indicted on May 12, 2023, for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts
Smith and Hulbert were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. Smith was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C). Hulbert was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Smith and Hulbert were also each charged with possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii) and with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
Smith and Hulbert, according to the indictment, conspired to distribute heroin in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere. Smith was in possession with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, while Hulbert was in possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. Smith had a Masterpiece Arms Model MPA Defender, a nine-millimeter semi-automatic submachine gun, while Hulbert had a Smith and Wesson Model 6906, a nine-millimeter pistol, a Springfield handgun, and a Century Arms AK Type Rifle on or about May 4, 2023.
Smith and Hulbert face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release if convicted of the drug conspiracy. Smith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release if convicted of heroin possession with intent to distribute, and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release if convicted of cocaine base possession with intent to distribute. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, Hulbert faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.
Smith and Hulbert each face a required minimum penalty of 5 years, up to life imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Smith and Hulbert face a potential term of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release for being felons in possession of guns. Smith and Hulbert must pay an obligatory special assessment fee of $100 for each offense.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police are both looking into this matter. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.